Devices for applying coloured liquid to skin

ABSTRACT

A handle for an applicator of coloured liquid to skin comprises a removable needle module and a needle actuator. The needle module comprises a needle. The handle comprises a handle body having top and bottom portions. The top portion is engagable with the needle actuator and has a top opening for receiving a drive shaft of the needle actuator. The bottom portion is removably engagable with the needle module and has a bottom opening for receiving a needle shaft of the needle. A reciprocally movable interface sealingly engages an internal surface of the handle body. The interface separates the bottom opening from the top opening so as to prevent fluid communication from the bottom opening to the top opening, and is configured to abut the drive shaft and the needle shaft during use to allow the drive shaft to indirectly drive the needle shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/691,125, filed Aug. 30, 2017, entitled “Devicesfor Applying Coloured Liquid to Skin”, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims the benefit of, and priority from, ChineseInvention Patent Application No. 201810976051.6, filed Aug. 24, 2018,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to devices for applying colouredliquid onto skin, particularly to devices such as tattooing devices ordevices for applying permanent make-up, needle handles thereof, or kitstherefor.

BACKGROUND

A tattooing device typically includes a needle for applying ink to skin,a base with a needle actuator, and a needle handle that connects theneedle to the base and can be conveniently held in a hand of an operatorfor manipulating the needle during use. For safety reasons, the needleshould be sterilized before use and replaced after each use. It is thusconvenient to use replaceable needle modules, which can be easilydetached or connected to the needle handle so that the needle can beeasily replaced. It may also be necessary to sterilize the needle handlebefore and after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

Examples of such devices are described in US 20160184572 published Jun.30, 2016, and CN 201595866U issued Oct. 6, 2010, both by the presentinventor.

The needle handle may also be detachable from the base and beconveniently replaceable. Single-use needle handles may be used.

Devices or applicators for applying permanent mark-up may have a similarconstruction, with a base, a replaceable handle, and a replaceableneedle module.

It is desirable to improve such and other devices for applying colouredliquid to skin.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a handle for anapplicator of a coloured liquid to skin, wherein the applicatorcomprises a needle and a needle actuator, the handle comprising atubular body having a top end and a bottom end and defining an innerchannel extending from the top end towards the bottom end, the top endconfigured to engage the needle actuator or a handle connector forconnecting the tubular body to the needle actuator, the bottom endconfigured to engage a needle module comprising the needle; an innertubing extending inside the channel from the bottom end towards the topend, and having an open top; a seal sealing the open top of the innertubing, the seal comprising a reciprocally movable interface, the topsurface of the interface positioned to abut a drive shaft of the needleactuator and the bottom surface of the interface positioned to abut aneedle shaft of the needle such that the drive shaft and the needleshaft interact through the interface. The inner tubing may be a tubularstub and the seal may comprise a sealing cap capping the open top of thetubular stub, and the sealing cap may comprise a base portion engagingthe tubular stub, a top portion above the open top, an extendableportion (such as a bellows portion or a portion formed of a resilientmaterial) connecting the base portion and the top portion such that thetop portion functions as the interface. The open top of the inner tubingmay comprise an O-ring groove, and the seal may comprise an O-ringseated in the groove and a piston plug through the O-ring forfunctioning as the interface, where the O-ring sealingly engages thegroove and the piston plug. The tubular body may be generallycylindrical. The tubular body may be formed of a plastic. The sealingcap may be formed of a silicone or a rubber. The inner tubing may begenerally cylindrical. The handle may comprise the handle connector. Thetubular body may have a threaded channel section for threadedly engagingthe handle connector. The handle may comprise a constriction ringclamping the base portion of the sealing cap to the tubular stub.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a handle for an applicatorof a coloured liquid to skin, wherein the applicator comprises a needleand a needle actuator. The handle comprises a handle body having a topportion and a bottom portion; the top portion having an opening forreceiving a drive shaft of the needle actuator; the bottom portioncomprising an inner tubing, the inner tubing comprising an open bottomfor receiving a needle shaft of the needle, a closed top, and anextendable section (such as a bellows section or a section formed of aresilient material) below the closed top so that the closed top isreciprocally moveable.

A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a handle for an applicatorof a coloured liquid to skin, wherein the applicator comprises a needleand a needle actuator. The handle comprises a handle body having a topportion and a bottom portion, the top portion engagable with the needleactuator and having a top opening for receiving a drive shaft of theneedle actuator, the bottom portion engagable with a needle modulecomprising the needle and having a bottom opening for receiving a needleshaft of the needle; and a reciprocally movable interface sealinglyengaging an internal surface of the handle body, the interfaceseparating the bottom opening from the top opening so as to preventfluid communication from the bottom opening to the top opening, andconfigured to abut the drive shaft and the needle shaft during use toallow the drive shaft to indirectly drive the needle shaft. Theinterface may be in sliding engagement with the internal surface of thehandle body. The top opening and bottom opening may be sized and shapedto form a shoulder, and the interface may comprise a sealing cap affixedto the shoulder. The interface may comprise a fixed base portion, amovable top portion, and an extendable portion (such as a bellowsportion or a portion formed of a resilient material) connecting the baseportion and the top portion. The interface may be formed of a siliconeor a rubber. The position of the interface in the handle may be axiallyadjustable for adjusting an exposed length of the needle in the needlemodule when the needle module is engaged with the handle.

In another aspect, there is provided a tattooing device comprising abase and a handle as described herein. The base comprises a needleactuator. The top end of the handle is connected to the base. A needlemodule may be attached to the handle, and may be engaged with the bottomend of the handle.

A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a kit comprising a handleas described herein and one or more needle modules. The handle and theone or more needle modules may be sterilized and sealed in a sterilizedpackage.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a package comprisinga handle as described herein, wherein the handle has been sterilized;and a sterilized packaging enclosing the handle therein for keeping thehandle in a sterilized condition.

Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thefollowing description of specific embodiments in conjunction with theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, which illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments ofthe present disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tattooing device, illustrative of anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side partial elevation and partial cross-sectional view ofthe tattooing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tattooing device of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is partially-cut perspective sectional view of the handle of thetattooing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the handle of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially-cut perspective view of the handle of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of another handle, illustrativeof an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a side partial elevation and partial cross-sectional view ofan alternative tattooing device including the handle of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a side partial elevation and partial cross-sectional view ofanother tattooing device, illustrative of another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side partial elevation and partial cross-sectional view of afurther embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A and 10 B are side partial elevation and partialcross-sectional views of a portion of the tattooing device of FIG. 1,with the needle at different positions during operation;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a device for applying colouredliquid to skin, illustrative of a further embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-section view of a tattooing device,illustrative of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to devices and applicators for applying aliquid, particularly colored liquid, to skin. The applicators includetattooing devices or devices for applying make-up, particularlypermanent make-up, such as for applying make-ups to eyebrow or mouth, orapplying eyeliners, or the like. The example embodiments described belowuse tattooing devices to illustrate features of the disclosedapplicators and devices.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a tattooing device asillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a tattooing device 10, including a base 100, ahandle 200, and a needle module 300.

The base 100 includes a needle actuator 110 having a drive shaft 112,and a clamp 120.

The handle 200 has a generally tubular shape, which may be cylindricalas illustrated in the figures. A tubular shape has an inner opening orchannel but is not necessarily cylindrical or has a circularcross-section, and does not have to have equal cross-sectional sizealong its length. The tubular shape may include an outer profile that isa ball-shape and an inner channel. In further embodiments, the tubularshape may include a vase shape or a bell shape.

A connector 230 is provided and configured to detachably connect thehandle 200 to the base 100. The top end 210 of the handle 200 isconfigured for detachable coupling with the connector 230, such as by athreaded coupling mechanism. The top end 234 of connector 230 isconfigured to engage the base 100. As depicted, the top end 234 ofconnector 230 has cylindrical shape and can be clamped by clamp 120. Theconnector 230 has a through opening 236 that allows the drive shaft 112to pass through. For clarity, it is noted that for the purpose of thisdisclosure, the connector 230 is considered a separate part, notnecessarily a component of the handle 200.

The clamp 120 may be an adjustable clamp so that the clamping force orpressure can be adjusted. The relative axial position of the connector230, and hence the handle 200, relative to drive shaft 112 of base 100,may be adjusted when the clamp is slightly loosened, and can be securedby tightening the clamp 120.

The bottom end 220 of handle 200 is configured to receive and removablyengage the needle module 300.

The needle module 300 has a top end 302 configured to be mounted at thebottom end 220 of the handle 200. A needle 330 is housed in the needlemodule 300. The needle module 300 may be disposed after a single use.The needle 330 is retractable, and the sharp tip of the needle 330 canbe hidden in the needle module 300 when not in use. The needle 330 isreciprocally movable within the needle module 300, and the needle module300 includes a biasing mechanism (not shown) that biases the needle 330upwards as depicted, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

When the base 100, handle 200 and needle module 300 are assembled foroperation, the needle 330 can be actuated by the actuator 110. Inparticular, when the drive shaft 112 extends downwards as depicted inthe figures, the needle 330 is pushed downwards. When the drive shaft112 retracts upwards, the needle 330 also retracts upwards due to theinternal biasing mechanism. As a result, the actuator 110 and theinternal biasing mechanism can drive the needle 330 to move reciprocallyup and down for puncturing the skin of a subject.

An ink or other coloured fluid may be applied to the puncture skin usingthe needle 330, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Thehandle 200 is sized and shaped to be conveniently held in a hand of anoperator (e.g. tattooist) to apply the ink to the skin.

The construction and operation of the base 100, the driving mechanism110, and the needle module 300 are known in the art and can be similarto, for example, the corresponding parts described in US 20160184572, US20090183602, EP2896427 or CN 201595866U, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. As such, these parts andtheir operation are not described in detail herein. It is generallynoted that common tattoo machines include coil tattoo machines androtatory tattoo machines. A coil tattoo machine uses electromagneticcoils to move the drive shaft (or an armature bar) up and down. Arotatory tattoo machine is powered by a regulated motor. A tattoomachine may be powered by electricity or a pneumatic fluid (such ascompressed air).

The handle 200, however, is constructed differently from the needlehandle described in US 20160184572 and CN 201595866U, and in other knowntattooing devices with a replaceable needle module and needle handle, aswill be further discussed below.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, and in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the handle 200includes a tubular wall 202, which defines a through channel 212 thatallows the actuator 110 to actuate the needle 330.

For example, as illustrated, the actuator 110 may include a drive shaft112 that extends into the top portion of the channel 212 of the handle200, so that the drive shaft 112 can act on the needle shaft 310 of theneedle 330. The top end 210 of the wall 202 may be provided with athreaded portion 214 and sized to receive a threaded end 232 of theconnector 230.

The bottom end of the channel 212 has an opening 222 for receiving thetop end 302 of the needle module 300. The bottom end 220 of the handle200 including the opening 222 and the top end 302 of the needle moduleare configured to couple and lock the needle module in place whenassembled. Any suitable coupling and locking mechanism may be used forthis purpose, which is a concern for this disclosure. As illustrated inthe figures, the bottom end 220 of the handle may have a bayonet socket(e.g. in the form of a stepped shoulder) 224 and the top end 302 of theneedle module 300 may include one or more matching bayonets 304 forengaging and locking the needle module in place once received in thehandle 200.

At an intermediate section of the channel 212, an inner tubular stub 240is provided which extends upwards from the wall 202. The tubular stub240 has an inner opening 242 sized to allow a top end 302 of the needle330 to pass therethrough. The outer surface 244 of the tubular stub 240is spaced from the inner surface 204 of the tubular wall 202. Thetubular stub 240 may be cylindrical and may be concentric with thetubular wall 202.

A resilient sealing cap 250 covers the opening 242 over the tubular stub240 and is frictionally engaged with the outer surface 244 of thetubular stub 240. The sealing cap 250 has a cap top 252 (top portion), abellows portion 254, and a base portion 256. The cap top 252 is abovethe open top of the tubular stub 240. The bellows portion 254 connectsthe base portion 256 and the cap top 252. The base portion 256 engagesthe tubular stub 240 and the wall 202. The sealing cap 250 may besecured in place by friction, and may be further secured by aconstriction ring 260, which is sized and shaped to tightly engage theouter surface of the cap 250 and the inner surface 204 of the tubularwall 202.

The sealing cap 250 may be made of a suitable resilient material such assilicone, which is flexible to allow reciprocal movement of the cap top252 in the axial direction of the channel 212 (indicated by axis A inFIG. 5). The resilient material may also include a rubber, an elasticpolymer or other similar materials. For example, nitrile butadienerubber (NBR) or a latex material may be used in some embodiments. Thecap 250 may also be formed of a soft and flexible material that is notnecessarily resilient. In some embodiments, the cap 250 may include acorrugated neck or a bellows section 254, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4,5 and 6, for increasing the movable distance of the cap top 252.

The cap 250 seals and isolates the bottom portion of the channel 212from the top portion of the channel 212, and allows the drive shaft 112and the needle 330 to interact through the cap 250. The cap top 252 thusfunctions as an interface between the drive shaft 112 and the needleshaft 310.

Initially, both the drive shaft 112 and the needle 330 are in aretracted position and abut against the upper surface and the bottomsurface of the cap top 252 respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Ascan be appreciated, during operation of the tattooing device, theactuator 110 is energized to cause reciprocal movement of the driveshaft 112 along the axis A. During a downward movement portion of areciprocal cycle, the drive shaft 112 extends and pushes the needle 330downward through the cap top 252. The drive shaft 112 then retractsupwards, and will not act on the needle during retraction, or the upwardmovement portion of the cycle. However, a recoil or elastic mechanism(not shown) is provided in the needle module 300, which will pull theextended needle 330 back up and return the needle 330 to its retractedposition. This cycle is then repeated.

As can be appreciated, during use, ink and a bodily fluid may enter theopening in the bottom portion 220 of the handle 200. Conveniently, thecap 250 fluidly isolates the bottom portion 220 of the handle 200 fromthe top portion 210 of the handle 200, thus preventing contamination ofthe drive shaft 112 and the connector 230 by the ink or bodily fluid.

It is possible that the operator only need to touch the handle 200 anddo not need to touch the handle connector 230 during operation of thetattooing device. The needle module 300 also will not directly contactthe handle connector 230 or actuator 110 (drive shaft 112). Any ink orbodily fluid that may get in contact with the needle 330 and may getinto the bottom portion of the handle 200 will also be isolated from thehandle connector 230 and the actuator 110, by the sealing cap 250.

After use, the needle module 300 may be removed first. The handle 200may be next removed. The needle module 300 and handle 200 may then bedisposed. The operator can clean her hands at this time before touchingother parts of the tattooing device 10.

As a result, the handle body portion including the handle wall 202 andthe cap 250, and the needle module 300 may be disposable and discardedafter a single use, but the handle connector 230 and the base 100 may beused repeatedly.

Consequently, the drive shaft 112 and handle connector 230 may be madeof a durable and rigid material. For example, the rigid material may bestainless steel or aluminium alloy. In contrast, the handle wall 202 andthe cap 250 may be made of a less durable material. For example, thehandle wall 202 may be formed of a suitable plastic material, and thecap 250 may be formed of a silicone material. When the handle 200 isdisposable and for single operation, it may be made of a low costmaterial. Further, before and after each use, the requirement forsterilizing or sanitizing the drive shaft 112 or handle connector 230 isreduced. Known measures can also be taken to keep the disposable handlesand needle modules in sterilized or sanitized conditions before use sothat a sterilization or sanitization treatment of these parts beforeeach use is not necessary.

An embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to the handle 200,without the handle connector 230. The handle 200 may be manufactured andsupplied separately from the base 100 and the handle connector 230. Insome embodiments, the handle 200 may be supplied with a needle modulesuch as needle module 300. In some embodiments, the handle 200 may besupplied without any accompanying needle modules.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a package, whichincludes the handle 200, and optionally the handle connector 230 or oneor more of the needle modules 300. The package may include a sterilizedor sanitized packaging enclosing the component parts which arepre-sterilized or pre-sanitized before packaging. When multiple needlemodules are provided, the needle modules may include needles ofdifferent sizes.

The package may also include instructions for matching tattooing devicesor machines, and instructions for mounting or installing the handle 200and needle module on the tattooing device or machine. The package mayindicate that the components are single-use disposable components andprovide instructions on how to dispose these parts after use. Thepackage may also include markings or indicia to indicate that thecontent, such as the handle, has been sterilized, or that the package isa sterilized package, and indicate an expiry date or “best before” date.

The handle may be used directly after opening the packaging withoutfurther cleaning, sanitization, or sterilization, and can be disposed ofafter a single use without cleaning or any other treatment.

For clarity, it is noted that “single use” may refer to use of a needleor handle for one complete operation on a single individual subject.During this operation, different needles may be used with the samehandle, or different handles, to apply different colours. For example,it may be typical to use two to five different needles during a singleoperation on a subject, depending on the complexity of the design to beapplied.

In a further embodiment, the handle 200 may be supplied with the handleconnector 230. In this case, the handle connector 230 may also bedisposable after one or several uses and may be formed of a less durablematerial, such as a plastic material, instead of a metal material.

As can be appreciated, in this case, the handle and handle connector maybe integrated into a single component, and a threaded or other couplingmechanism between them may not be needed.

A handle with an inner sealing cap as disclosed herein is also moreconvenient to use than a handle that requires an external cover orbarrier for preventing contamination by ink or a bodily fluid.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a similarlyconstructed handle can also be used in an applicator for applying othercolored fluid materials to skin, such as applicators for applyingmake-ups or other cosmetic materials to skin. The applied materials mayinclude skin care products or dermatology drugs.

FIG. 7A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the handle, handle 700,which includes a sealing O-ring 750 and sealing plug piston 760, insteadof a sealing cap.

Similar to the handle 200, the handle 700 includes a tubular wall 702,which defines a through channel 712, and has top and bottom endsconfigured to engage the handle connector 730 and the needle module 300respectively. A tattooing device assembled from the handle 700 and thehandle connector 730, the base 100 and needle module 300 are illustratedin FIG. 7B. The base 100 and needle module 300 are as described withreferences to FIGS. 1-6 above.

The intermediate section of the handle 700, however, is constructeddifferently from that of handle 200. Specifically, instead of a stub, aninner tubular chamber 740 is provided in handle 700. The tubular chamber740 has an opening 742 at the upper end 744. The opening 742 has arecessed groove 746 for seating a sealing O-ring 750. A piston plug 760passes through the opening 742 and O-ring 750 for transferring thedriving force from the drive shaft 112 to the needle shaft 310. TheO-ring 750 sealingly engages both the groove 746 and piston plug 760 toprevent fluid communication through the opening 742 of the chamber 740.

As a result, the lower portion of the handle 700 and the needle module300 are isolated from the upper portion of the handle 700 and the handleconnector 730 and the actuator 110 or the base 100. The O-ring 750 andpiston plug 760 thus provide a similar functionality as the sealing cap250.

The O-ring 750 may be made of a suitable resilient material such asrubber.

The plug 760 may be made of a suitable rigid material for a piston to,transfer mechanical force. The plug 760 has cylindrical central portionso that it can slide in the O-ring 750 while maintaining a fluid seal.The plug 760 may also have enlarged top and bottom ends. The top end ofthe plug 760 may be configured and shaped to engage the drive shaft 112.

The handle connector 730 may be similarly constructed as handleconnector 230, but may be configured and sized differently toaccommodate the chamber 740 and the plug 760.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment, where the base 100 and needleactuator 110 and the needle module 300 may be as described above. Aneedle handle 800 including a top portion 810 and a bottom portion 820is provided.

The top portion 810 is configured for engaging the needle actuator 110and has an opening 812 for receiving the drive shaft 112 of the needleactuator 110. The top portion 810 may include a connection section 830,which may be integrated with the handle 800 or form a part of the handle800. Connection portion 830 may be made of a plastic material.Connection portion 830 may be engaged with the tubular wall 802 of thehandle 800 by a threaded engagement, or may be affixed to the tubularwall 802 with an adhesive, or by welding such as ultrasonic welding. Thetop end 834 of the connection portion 830 is shaped and sized to beclamped by the clamp 120 of the base 100.

The bottom portion 820 is configured for engaging the needle module 300and has an opening 822 for receiving needle shaft 310. A reciprocallymovable interface 850 is sealingly affixed to an internal surface in thehandle 800.

The interface 850 abuts both drive shaft 112 and needle shaft 310 duringoperation to allow the needle shaft 310 be indirectly driven by driveshaft 112 through interface 850, and seals and separates the opening 822in the bottom portion 820 from the opening 812 in the top portion 810.The interface 850 may be formed of a soft or resilient material and maybe affixed or mounted inside the handle 800 by any suitable mechanismsuch as described above.

In an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 8, the bottom opening 822 and topopening 812 may be sized differently so that the openings 812 and 822form a shoulder 824, and interface 850 may include a sealing cap affixedto the shoulder 824, such as by a constriction ring 860. Alternatively,the sealing cap may be affixed to the shoulder 824 by an adhesive oranother suitable affixing technique.

The interface 850 is in contact with the top end of the needle shaft 310but is not in contact with other parts of the needle module 300. Thus,replacing needle module 300 during use would not damage the interface850 and would not break the seal between the top and bottom openings812, 822.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a tattooing device 900 where thebase 910 is configured to connect and engage the handle 200 directly.That is, a connector portion 930 is integrated into the base 910. Theconnector portion 930 of the base 910 includes a threaded tubularsection 932 for engaging the threaded top end 214 of the handle 200.Like base 100, the base 910 also has a needle actuator with a driveshaft 912 for actuating the needle 330 indirectly through the sealingcap 250.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate possible adjustment of the normal needleposition in a tattooing device with the handle 200 and a handleconnector 230′, which is similar but differs from the handle connector230 as will be described below.

As can be appreciated, adjustment of the normal needle positions may bedesirable as different subjects may have different skin thickness anddifferent parts of the same subject may have different skin thickness.Further, there may be other technical or artistic reasons to apply inkor materials to different depths in the skin.

The maximum exposed length of the needle 330 outside the needle module300 may be adjusted by turning the handle 200 relative to the handleconnector 230′, which is possible due to the threaded connection at thetop end of the handle 200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, thetop ends of the threaded section 214 of the handle 200 and a threadedsection 232′ of the handle connector 230′ are flush. In comparison, thetop ends of these threaded sections of the handle 200 and the handleconnector 230′ are offset in FIG. 10B, by a distance “X”.Correspondingly, the exposed length of the needle 330 is longer in FIG.10A than in FIG. 10B, by a corresponding distance “X”, assuming therelative position between the handle connector 230 and the actuator 110of base 100 (not shown) and the driving shaft 112 has not changed. Asthe relative position between the handle connector 230′ and the handle200 is changed, the position of the cap top 252 of the sealing cap 250is also axially adjusted. For example, as the handle connector 230′ anddrive shaft 112 are moved up as depicted in FIG. 10B, the cap top 252also moves up due to the resiliency of the sealing cap 250 and a biasingforce in the needle module 300 which pushes the needle shaft 310upwards.

In different embodiments, to adjust the maximum exposed length of theneedle 330, it is also possible to adjust the relative axial position ofthe handle connector 230′ with regard to the actuator 110 as discussedabove with regard to handle connector 230. When the relative position ofthe handle connector 230′ with regard to the drive shaft 112 is axiallyadjusted, the maximum exposed length of the needle 330 is alsocorrespondingly extended or shortened, without having to turn the handle200 relative to the handle connector 230′.

To avoid unintended loosening or turning at the threaded connectionbetween the handle 200 and the handle connector 230′, a friction ring233 may be provided between an enlarged portion 235 of the handleconnector 230′ and the inner wall of the handle 200. The friction ring233 may be formed of a rubber, and may provide friction to resistunintended turning of the handle 200 relative to the handle connector230′. However, the friction ring 233 is configured and sized such thatwhen the operator intentionally turns the handle 200 against the handleconnector 230′ with an applied torque, the handle 200 can be manuallyturned relative to the handle connector 230′. In some embodiments, theinner surface of the handle 200 that is in contact with the frictionring 233 may be roughened or rugged to provide additional friction.

As depicted in FIG. 9, the handle connector portion 930 may have similarengagement structures as the handle connector 230′ in FIGS. 10A and 10B.It may be appreciated that when the handle connector portion 930 isrotated relative to the handle 200, the base 910 is also rotated andmoves up and down with the handle connector portion 930 with respect tothe handle 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates an handle 200′, which differs from the handle 200 inthat the tubular shape of the handle 200′ is not cylindrical but has agenerally vase-shape, and has been sized and shaped to fit comfortablyinto a hand.

The grip portion of the handle 200′ may be ergonomically shaped, and maybe deformable so it conforms better to a human hand. Such anergonomically shaped handle may be more comfortable to use, and mayprovide health benefits. As can be appreciated, the handle may beprovided in different sizes and shapes to fit with different hands, orto conform to different holding habits of different operators.

FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment, a tattooing device 1200, whichincludes a base 1202 with a needle actuator 1204, a needle handle 1206removably connected to the base 1202, and a needle module 1208 removablyengaged with the needle handle 1206.

The base 1202 may be constructed as the base 100 or as base 910 withneedle actuator 1204 constructed as needle actuator 110, and the needlemodule 1208 may be as constructed as needle module 300.

The needle handle 1206 includes a top portion 1210 and a bottom portion1220.

The top portion 1210 is configured for engaging the needle actuator 1204on the base 1202 and has an opening 1212 for receiving a drive shaft1214 of the needle actuator 1204. The bottom portion 1220 is configuredfor engaging the needle module 1208 and has an opening 1222 forreceiving a needle shaft 1224. A reciprocally movable interface 1250 issealingly affixed to an internal surface in the handle 1206. Theinterface 1250 abuts both drive shaft 1214 and needle shaft 1224 duringoperation to allow the needle shaft 1224 be indirectly driven by thedrive shaft 1214 through interface 1250, and seals and separates theopening 1222 in the bottom portion 1220 from the opening 1212 in the topportion 1210. The interface 1250 may be formed of a soft or resilientmaterial and maybe affixed or mounted inside the handle by any suitablemechanism such as described above. The interface 1250 is in contact withthe top end of the needle shaft 1224 but is not in contact with otherparts of the needle module 1208. Thus, replacing needle module 1208during use would not damage the interface 1250 and would not break theseal between the top opening 1212 and the bottom opening 1222.

FIG. 13 illustrates another variation of an embodiment of the handle fora tattooing device. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the interface may besealingly engaging an internal surface of the handle without beingpermanently affixed to the surface. For example, the engagement may be asliding engagement. Specifically, as illustrated, a needle handle 1300may include an interface 1350, which may include a top portion 1355,middle portion 1356, and bottom portion 1357. Middle portion 1356connects top and bottom portions 1355, 1357. The bottom portion 1357 hasa groove 1351 for a sealing ring 1352. Sealing ring 1352 sealinglyengages the internal surface of the handle 1300 when the interface 1350moves up and down during operation. Sealing ring and bottom portion 1357may also moves up and down during operation without breaking the seal.Sealing ring 1353 may be an O-ring, and may be made of silicone orrubber. The body 1354 of interface 1350 may be made of a plasticmaterial. Optionally, body 1354 of interface 1350 may be made of rigidsilicone with a relatively high hardness. Optionally, in a differentembodiment, the sealing ring may be an integral part of the interfacebody. The middle portion 1356 may be an extendable portion or section,and may include a resilient material or a bellows section. When themiddle portion 1356 is extendable and retractable, the axial distancebetween the top portion 1355 and the bottom portion 1357 can change,allowing more axial movement of the top portion 1355 as compared to themovement of the bottom portion 1357.

As can be appreciated, various modifications may be made to the exampledevices illustrated in the drawings. For example, the tubular stub 240and sealing cap 250 may be replaced with a unitary insert which can be abellows tubing with a closed top end.

The handle and handle connector may be further covered with an externalcover to prevent cross contamination during use. The external cover maybe formed of a plastic sheet.

The entire tattooing device may also be covered with the external coverduring use. It can now be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe devices and applicators disclosed herein provides a needle handlethat can be a single-use handle. It is not necessary to clean, sanitize,sterilize, or disinfect the handle immediately prior to use, and thehandle can be disposed after a single use without cleaning or othertreatment. Thus, the handle is convenient to use.

Other features, modifications, and applications of the embodimentsdescribed here may be understood by those skilled in the art in view ofthe disclosure herein.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

It will be understood that any range of values herein is intended tospecifically include any intermediate value or sub-range within thegiven range, and all such intermediate values and sub-ranges areindividually and specifically disclosed.

It will also be understood that the word “a” or “an” is intended to mean“one or more” or “at least one”, and any singular form is intended toinclude plurals herein.

It will be further understood that the term “comprise”, including anyvariation thereof, is intended to be open-ended and means “include, butnot limited to,” unless otherwise specifically indicated to thecontrary.

When a list of items is given herein with an “or” before the last item,any one of the listed items or any suitable combination of two or moreof the listed items may be selected and used.

Of course, the above described embodiments of the present disclosure areintended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The describedembodiments are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangementof parts, details and order of operation. The invention, rather, isintended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as definedby the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handle for an applicator of a coloured liquid to skin, wherein the applicator comprises a removable needle module and a needle actuator, the needle module comprising a needle, the handle comprising: a handle body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion engagable with the needle actuator and having a top opening for receiving a drive shaft of the needle actuator, the bottom portion removably engagable with the needle module comprising the needle and the bottom portion having a bottom opening for receiving a needle shaft of the needle; and a reciprocally movable interface mounted inside the handle body on an internal surface of the handle body between the top opening and the bottom opening and providing a seal between the top portion and the bottom portion, the interface separating the bottom opening from the top opening so as to prevent fluid communication from the bottom opening to the top opening; and configured to abut the drive shaft and the needle shaft during use to allow the drive shaft to indirectly drive the needle shaft, wherein the handle body comprises a non-removable bottom surface for directly contacting the needle module without contacting the reciprocally movable interface wherein the interface comprises an interface top portion, a middle portion, and an interface bottom portion, the middle portion connecting the interface top and interface bottom portions, and wherein the middle portion is extendable and retractable.
 2. The handle of claim 1, wherein the interface bottom portion comprises a groove and a sealing ring received in the groove, the sealing ring sealingly engaging the internal surface of the handle body.
 3. The handle of claim 2, wherein the sealing ring and the interface bottom portion is reciprocally movable along the internal surface of the handle body.
 4. The handle of claim 2, wherein the sealing ring is an O-ring.
 5. The handle of claim 2, wherein the sealing ring comprises a silicone or a rubber.
 6. The handle of claim 2, wherein the sealing ring is an integral part of the interface.
 7. The handle of claim 1, wherein the middle portion comprises a resilient material.
 8. The handle of claim 1, wherein the middle portion comprises a bellows section.
 9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises a plastic material.
 10. The handle of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a plastic material.
 11. The handle of claim 1, wherein the top opening and bottom opening are sized and shaped to form a shoulder.
 12. The handle of claim 1, wherein the interface is formed of a silicone or a rubber.
 13. A tattooing device comprising: a base comprising the needle actuator of claim 1; and the handle of claim 1, the top portion of the handle connected to the base.
 14. A package comprising: the handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle has been sterilized; and a sterilized packaging enclosing the handle therein for keeping the handle in a sterilized condition.
 15. A handle for an applicator of a coloured liquid to skin, wherein the applicator comprises a needle and a needle actuator, the handle comprising: a handle body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion engagable with the needle actuator and having a top opening for receiving a drive shaft of the needle actuator, the bottom portion engagable with a needle module comprising the needle, and the bottom portion having a bottom opening for receiving a needle shaft of the needle; and a reciprocally movable interface affixed to an internal surface of the handle body between the top opening and the bottom opening and providing a seal between the top portion and the bottom portion, the interface separating the bottom opening from the top opening so as to prevent fluid communication from the bottom opening to the top opening, and configured to abut the drive shaft and the needle shaft during use to allow the drive shaft to indirectly drive the needle shaft, wherein the handle body comprises a non-removable bottom surface for directly contacting the needle module without contacting the movable interface wherein the interface comprises rises an interface to portion a middle portion and an interface bottom portion, the middle portion connecting the interface top and interface bottom portions, and wherein the middle portion is extendable and retractable.
 16. The handle of claim 15, wherein the top opening and bottom opening are sized and shaped to form a shoulder, and the interface comprises a sealing cap affixed to the shoulder.
 17. The handle of claim 15, wherein the interface bottom portion comprises a fixed base portion; wherein the interface to portion is a movable top portion; and wherein the middle portion is a bellows portion connecting the interface bottom portion and the interface top portion. 